[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 35

Previously, a few days after the New Year gang meeting, Takemichi received a CB250T - Bab from Mikey and Draken. Back then, Draken said that as the First Division Captain, not having a bike is not cool. Now, even though he is no longer the First Division Captain and the Sixth Division has only recently been announced, Takemichi never expects them to give him this bike. But he is wrong. Even as an ordinary member, Draken and Mikey still secretly gather parts to build it for him. Takemichi only realizes this when Baji and Chifuyu, acting mysteriously, lead him to the bike. Chifuyu is the one who blindfolds him. Seriously, do these two forget that he comes from the future?

"Ta-daaa!" Baji and Mikey wave their hands toward the Bab as Chifuyu removes his hands from Takemichi's eyes.

"Isn't it amazing, Takemichi? Mikey and Draken have been collecting parts to build this bike for you," Baji says, putting an arm around his shoulder.

"The CB250T, also known as Bab, is the twin brother of my Bob. My brother brought them from the Philippines long ago..."

Mikey tells the story of how these two engines are abandoned in a scrapyard and how Shinichiro retrieves them, turning one into a complete bike as a gift for Takemichi. Memories, both beautiful and painful, rush back to Takemichi. The last time he returns to the future, everyone is dead, and Mikey dies in his arms. He thinks that Mikey at that moment is in the worst pain, but in the future, Mikey continues to suffer even more. Overwhelmed by emotions from his memories and gratitude for the gift, Takemichi cannot hold back his tears. His tears flow like a waterfall, making Mikey, Draken, Baji, and Chifuyu panic.

"Takemitchy, why are you crying so much? It's just a small gift," Mikey immediately tries to comfort him, lifting Takemichi's face and wiping away his tears.

Baji and Chifuyu suspect the gift reminds him of painful moments from his time travels. They feel a bit sad and worried because Takemichi still carries too many burdens in his heart.

"This idiot..." Baji and Chifuyu murmur in unison.

No, he cannot cry. He must be happy because there will be no more painful futures. Takemichi quickly wipes his tears and forces a bright smile.

"Thank you so much! This is so cool!"

Everyone still looks at him in confusion. Seeing this, Takemichi suggests they go for a ride together.

"Huh? Takemitchy, you know how to ride a bike now?" Draken asks in surprise.

"No idea," Mikey tilts his head, equally puzzled.

Takemichi chuckles, It's you who taught me, Mikey: "Mikey-kun, this time let me drive you."

Mikey's eyes immediately sparkle with excitement. Baji takes Chifuyu, Takemichi takes Mikey, and Draken rides alone. Mikey hugs Takemichi from behind, thoroughly enjoying the ride, laughing cheerfully.

"Takemitchy, you're actually pretty good at this."

Takemichi silently thinks, It's because Mikey scolded me so much last time that I finally learned.

"Mikey-kun, next time you go for a ride, remember to call me too. You and I, with Bob and Bab - it'll be awesome."

"Of course! We'll bring taiyaki to the beach - it'll be perfect!" Mikey immediately gets excited.

"Hey! What about us?" Draken, riding beside them, protests.

"Nope, this is our date only. Move aside."

Mikey pouts, hugging Takemichi even tighter like a child afraid of losing his toy. Takemichi bursts into laughter. Baji and Chifuyu, riding nearby, feel like they're in a completely different world from the two of them.